"There were things that people told me I couldn't do at a physical level and people who didn't believe in me starting the Appalachian Trail and now I am to the point where in two months I leave. And people telling me that I probably wouldn't pick up hiking or be into it as much as possible and now I am. I kind of look back on those things and it just gives you a different perspective on how to look on life after you have completed so many challenges that maybe you didn't think were possible." - Ryck Proctor On the show this week is the one and only Ryck Proctor, an upstate New York native, aspiring Adirondack 46er, a restaurant manager, and the man behind the instagram account @i_need_mountains that has inspired so many people who follow his adventures and messages. Ryck is taking on the Appalachian Trail this year and has been preparing for the trek from Georgia to Maine for over a year now. In our conversation we talk about: The importance of preparation and what Ryck does to get himself ready for a trip.Using social media to spread positivity and information about certain areas.How to hike responsibly and safely.What makes the Adirondacks special.Planning for the Appalachian TrailHow mountains affect Ryck's mental state. Links that Ryck uses to prepare for a trip: Adirondack Backcountry Facebook Page https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9198.htmlhttps://www.mountain-forecast.com/https://www.adk.org/ Ryck's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i_need_mountains/ @i_need_mountains Thank you: Music for this episode was brought to you by Scott Holmes. Scott's music is throughout many of the podcast episodes and is brought to you courtesy of free music archive. His music can be found at http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes/ . The To Summit Up Theme Song was composed and produced by my good friend Jordan Wolf. Jordan can be found on instagram @jwolfy3.